Hunter 87 Bluegrass Bash

“Thanks to all who came out to make the first annual Bluegrass Bash, such a success. The success of this first event is a true testament to our community and to the type of man Nick was. With God’s guidance, we pray that the money will go to help those who most need it and also to honor the memory of Nick through a spirit of giving.” - Rick Barnes.

The Hunter 87 Bluegrass Bash took place Saturday, November 10, 2012 in Newnan, Ga. The money raised will be used to get us started on our first few projects. The first annual Nicholas Whitlock Leadership Scholarship will be given this year at Newnan High to a graduating senior for college expenses. Additional details on how to apply will be shared on the scholarship page in the coming months. We are also in the early stages of organizing several hunting trips for wounded and disabled combat veterans throughout the southeast. Additional details of these trips can be found on the Hunter 87 Disabled Veterans Hunting Trip under the Events page.

Rick Barnes came up with the original idea for the event and is vice president of Newnan Affairs for the foundation. The event was named Hunter 87, because Captain Nicholas Whitlock’s radio call sign was Hunter 87. Rick explains “We thought it was a pretty neat call sign. We wanted to use that somehow”. On the back of Captain Whitlock’s USAF helmet was a patch with a dragon breathing fire that said Hunter 87. That patch — the logo of the 34th Special Operations Squadron — was used on event T-shirts.

The event consisted of an outdoor BBQ, football games, activities for the children, a silent auction, and bluegrass music performed by the Barletta’s and The Packway Handle Band.

The original intent of the event was to raise enough money to offer the scholarship to Newnan High School Senior at this year’s Honors Night and establish the first hunting trip designed for wounded or disabled combat veterans. With an extensive silent auction, almost 350 attendees to the event, and generous corporate sponsorship the event was able to raise almost $25,000, well exceeding all expectations. These funds will provide the necessary means to award the scholarship, enable the first hunting trip to take place in December, and allow the Foundation to create other community charities.

We are proud to say that because of the support and enthusiasm from each of you that came out or donated, we fully intend on making this an annual event. “It’s awesome. It’s really amazing how the community rallied together and came to support this event,” said Katie Wood, Whitlock’s friend and one of the many volunteers who helped in organizing and running the event.

Captain Nicholas Whitlock leaves behind a legacy of generosity, service and sacrifice. The Foundation has been established with the mission to celebrate Nick’s life and continue his legacy.

To view the article written by the Newnan Times-Herald, please click the following link